How to Clean Whiteheads

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JONAE FREDERICKS Last Updated: Jul 18, 2017

Jonae Fredericks

Jonae Fredericks started writing in 2007. She also has a background as a licensed cosmetologist and certified skin-care specialist. Jonae Fredericks is a certified paraeducator, presently working in the public education system.

Wash away whiteheads with a mild cleanser.

Whiteheads, also referred to as closed comedones, result when facial oil or sebum lies trapped below the surface of the skin. Care of whiteheads often requires the use of a topical medication in conjunction with proper cleaning techniques, which help bring the oils to the surface of your skin. Once at the surface, acne cleansers wash away the oil and any bacteria present, which otherwise will worsen acne symptoms.

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Step 1

Wash your skin in the morning and before you go to bed at night using a mild cleanser. A mild cleanser won't contain heavy perfumes or strong chemical abrasives. Choose a formula that contains up to 2 percent salicylic acid. If your skin is easily irritated, look for a gentle cleanser designed for sensitive skin.

Step 2

Cleanse your whiteheads with sanitized fingertips to avoid making your acne problem worse. Wash your hands using warm water and an antibacterial soap before touching the area that contains the whiteheads.

Step 4

Rinse away the mild cleanser using a cool water rinse to close your pores. Pat your skin dry with a clean, absorbent bath towel. Avoid rubbing your skin with the towel as you dry. Rubbing irritates the skin causing redness and discomfort.

Step 5

Apply a topical treatment that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to your whiteheads after cleansing. Such topical treatments are available in your supermarket or grocery store and will help to control further whitehead eruptions.

Things You'll Need

Mild cleanser

Water

Antibacterial soap

Clean, absorbent bath towel

Topical treatment

Tips

Keep in mind that any form of treatment for whiteheads is not instant. In fact, SkinCarePhysicians.com reports that it may take 4 to 8 weeks before you begin to see results.

Warnings

Do not pick, pinch or pop your whiteheads. Doing so can cause permanent scarring of your skin.
Do not clean your whiteheads obsessively. Excessive cleaning and scrubbing of your skin more than the recommended twice-a-day regimen, or using abrasive cleansers, can irritate your skin and cause swelling and inflammation.